Ultimate Guide to a Day Out in Lewes
If you fancy a day trip away from the bustle of city life, why not make the train journey to Lewes? Only 15 minutes from Brighton and an hour from London, the quaint Sussex town offers more than just an infamous bonfire night celebration. Lewes’ charm provides an ideal countryside escape for any avid reader, vintage shop snooper or coffee aficionado.
FIRST, COFFEE
The Flint Owl Bakery, a cosy organic cafe serving speciality coffee and tea, is a perfect first pit stop. Treat yourself to a warm, buttery croissant or a slice of gooey chocolate cherry cake.
FIND A READING SPOT
Lewes has a range of bookshops to explore from Waterstones to the children’s bookshop Bags of Books. Yet The Fifteenth Century Bookshop is a firm favourite with its historic beamed exterior and an impressive collection of first edition books. Looking to buy a new book that will take you on an adventure? Check out our recommendations for 7 books that will inspire your future travel plans here.
SNOOP AROUND
The town is a treasure trove of antique goods with Lewes Antiques Centre and May’s Antiques on Cliffe High Street. It’s worth meandering up to Lewes Flea Market if you fancy a rummage through some bargain fancy dress clothes. For artisan shops and antiques, try The Needlemakers, an independent shopping centre in a former World War I needle factory.
FEED YOUR SOUL AND BODY
Keen to add a little mindfulness to your escape from the city? The newly opened Unity Centre is a not-for-profit space providing meditation, dance and yoga. There are reduced rate community classes making the service more affordable. Give the ‘sing for wellbeing’ class a go for a dose of feel good. Then stay for lunch at the centre’s own Soul Soup Cafe, or head to Zu Cafe, a veggie haven.
Dine
For the best breakfast in town, Trading Post’s eggs benedict is a no-brainer. I would also recommend the fluffy pancakes to any keen Sunday brunchers. They are also participating in the governments eat out to help out scheme for £10 off per person on Mondays- Wednesdays!
The restaurant chain Bill’s may seem an unusual choice among Lewes’ hub of independent restaurants. But have you ever visited the original Bill’s? Yes, this is the restaurant in which Bill transformed his small grocery into a chain of much-loved restaurants. Go for the novelty, stay for the crispy halloumi burger.
If you fancy something a little different, try Erawan. It’s a tiny Thai bistro tucked away in Lansdowne Place. Intimate, affordable and tasty. Bring your own booze.
SUNDAY ROAST
The Swan for its unbeatable roasts and vinyl collection. Just try it.
DATE NIGHT
If you are out to impress, the town’s independent cinema Depot offers a range of black and white and foreign films all from the comfort of cosy red armchairs and footstools. Now surely that’s romantic? Be sure to book in advance and check out the weekly programme; Depot even hosts interviews with directors and screenwriters after film showings.
DRESS LIKE A QUEEN
At Anne of Cleves’ House Museum you can explore the lives of the Tudors and Elizabethans of Lewes. Channel your inner historical queen and head to the trunks of Elizabethan dresses to try on. Pictures are a given.
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Written by Rosie Doyle